Conway

  • Town of Conway Massachusetts
  • 32 Main Street
  • 413-369-4235
  • Contact Us

Board of Health

Additional Pages

Public Office Hours as follows:

  • Mondays: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: Closed
  • Or by Appointment
  • Visit us at Town Hall, 5 Academy Hill Road
  • Write to:
    Conway Board of Health
    PO Box 240
    Conway, MA 01341

Meeting Schedule: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 5:00 PM at the Town Hall

Next 3 meetings:

  • Mon, Nov 24 at 5:00 PM -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space
  • Mon, Dec 8 at 5:00 PM -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space
  • Mon, Dec 22 at 5:00 PM -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space

Members

5 of 5 seats. 3 years each seat.

Previous meetings:

November Updates for a Healthy Conway

Winter mood shifts

With less daylight and colder temps, mood shifts are common during winter. You may notice lower energy or feelings of sadness. We can tend to stay to ourselves and eat or sleep more. You can counter these with healthy choices. See friends, family and neighbors, even when you don’t feel like it. Get outside for more sun exposure, keep window blinds open when indoors and stay active with regular exercise. If your mood interferes with daily life, especially if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, contact your health provider to consider professional help.

Protect against winter illnesses

It’s not too late to get flu and COVID vaccines! RSV vaccination is recommended for adults over 60 or with certain medical conditions and for some children.

Remember good precautions for staying healthy in the winter - wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face. Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially when COVID and flu rates are high.

November is national gratitude month

Gratitude can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase happiness and mood, and enhance our ability to face challenges and setbacks. A gratitude practice can lower blood pressure, improve sleep and reduce pain. Consider reflecting, journaling or meditating on what you are grateful for. Tell others what you like about them. Look for times to be kind and generous. You may feel better appreciation for others, stronger social connections, and more self-esteem, creativity and satisfaction!

National diabetes awareness month

This month help prevent diabetes with a healthy diet, increased physical activity, reduced stress and enough sleep. If you are overweight, take the next steps to lose a few pounds. If someone in your family has diabetes, ask your health provider about a blood test to see if you are developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your sugars regularly, take medications as prescribed, and keep up with regular medical appointments.

With a little added attention, you can feel better and improve your health this winter. Tell a friend about what you’re doing. Bonus: ask them about what they’re doing!

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

Respiratory Virus Season

GRAPHIC 1 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101 (1)GRAPHIC 2 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101GRAPHIC 3 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101GRAPHIC 4 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101GRAPHIC 5 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101GRAPHIC 6 ENG Respiratory Virus Season 101

Find a Flu and/or COVID-19 Vaccine in Franklin County

Upcoming clinics:

September 17, 2025
3:30-6:00 p.m.
Flu and COVID vaccines available

Mohawk Trail Regional School
26 Ashfield Street, Shelburne Falls

Pre-registration strongly preferred; choose “Big Y Vaccine Offsite Clinic” at the bottom of the Location list, and “West County Resource Fair” from the Clinic list.

September 25, 2025
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Flu, COVID, TDAP, and Pneumococcal vaccines available

Montague Town Hall Annex
1 Avenue A, Turners Falls

Register for Clinic

View/Download Flyer

September 26, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Flu, COVID, TDAP, and Pneumococcal vaccines available

Greenfield Senior Center
35 Pleasant St., Greenfield

Register for the Clinic

View/Download Clinic Flyer

October 3, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Flu, COVID, TDAP, and Pneumococcal vaccines available

Montague Town Hall Annex
1 Avenue A, Turners Falls

Register for the Clinic

View/Download Clinic Flyer

October 14, 2025
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Flu, COVID, TDAP, and Pneumococcal vaccines available

Rowe Elementary School
86 Pond Road, Rowe

To register, contact the Rowe Town Nurse at:

413-339-55230 x 107
nurse@rowe-ma.gov

Local Retailers

  • Baker Pharmacy
    52 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls
    Call 413-625-6324 to schedule
  • Big Y
    237 Mohawk Trail/Route 2, Greenfield
    Walk-in preferred or online booking
    Note: the link only works with the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
    Book vaccine appointment online
  • Community Health Center of Franklin County
    119 New Athol Rd. Suite 140, Orange, MA
    Open Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm
    Walk-in or call for an appointment (978) 673-8933

Access your Vaccine Record

Have You Gotten Your Steps In?

New data on health and exercise

7000 steps a day is a worthy goal

Increasing from 2000 to just 5,000 steps/day can dramatically improve blood sugar, BP, inflammation and mental health.

Increasing to 7000 steps/day:

  • 45% reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality
  • 38% reduction in the risk of dementia and cancer mortality
  • 25% reduction in the risk of falls or the onset of CV disease
  • 20% reduction in symptoms of depression

The idea of 10,000 steps as a goal originated from a marketing campaign (!) in Japan. The Japanese symbol for 10,000 looks like a person walking, but there was no scientific basis for this.

Exercise increases BDNF:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the development, survival, and function of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. It is essential for synaptic plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience, and is vital for learning and memory. BDNF also helps regulate eating, drinking, and body weight.

Bottom line: movement is good! You don’t need 10,000 steps, just get moving.

Recovery Support Resources

Recovery Support Resources

The following services are available to Conway residents in recovery from substance use disorder through the town’s opioid settlement funds and additional grant funding awarded to the Cooperative Public Health Service.

All Recovery Meetings are non-denominational and open to all pathways to recovery. Meeting format is focused on peer support and invites participants to reflect on and share what they are doing for their recovery. Topics are chosen by meeting participants. Each participant is given the opportunity to share their challenges, as well as what is working for them.

  • Weekly All-Recovery Meetings:

    • Monday 7-8pm - Erving Library or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 4137745489 Password: 7745489)

    • Friday 7:30-8:30pm - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 4137745489 Password: 7745489)

Recovery Coaches offer 1:1 support to people in substance use recovery to build their recovery capital. This involves mentoring on their chosen pathway of recovery, connecting them to the recovery community and resources, and creating a climate of recovery through language and modeling recovery values.

  • Weekly Recovery Coach drop-in hours:

    • Monday 6-7pm - Erving Library

    • Thursday 9:30-10:30am - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls

    • Friday 3:30-4:30pm - Buckland Public Library

    • Friday 6:30-7:30pm - Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls

All Recovery Meetings and Recovery Coaches are provided by The Recover Project (recoverproject.org).

Moms Do Care (momsdocare.org) is a statewide program designed to provide support for pregnant and parenting people impacted by substance use disorder. The program is available to people who are 18 or older, have a history of substance misuse and are pregnant or parenting a child 36 months or younger. The location closest to Conway is the Moms Do Care program at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

Please share these resources with friends and family who may benefit from accessing them.

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

West Nile Virus has been found in a nearby town

Mosquitos positive for West Nile Virus have been identified in Leyden. At the present time, there is no change in risk level and no human cases are identified.

EEE and WNV Risk Maps: Massachusetts arbovirus update | Mass.gov

Mosquito-borne disease prevention: Mosquito-borne disease prevention | Mass.gov

Air Quality

Air Quality

Did you know that wildfires in Canada can affect your health in Franklin County? Wildfires create tiny particles of air pollution that travel hundreds of miles. We inhale the tiny pollution particles, which can go deep into our respiratory system. These pollution particles are so small that the width of the average human hair is at least 30 times larger!

Short-term health effects could include irritation of eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and this can worsen existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. Areas with long-term exposure to higher levels of these pollution particles have higher cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions and deaths.

Knowing local air quality can empower people to make informed health decisions. An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 101-150 suggests moderate pollution, so you may choose to reduce outdoor activities or wear an N95 mask. When the Air Quality Index exceeds 150, conditions become unhealthy, and outdoor activities should be avoided.

Over twenty air quality sensors have been installed across Franklin County, thanks to funding from MA’s Department of Environmental Protection. The data from these air quality sensors is included in local weather and air quality monitoring. See a map of local sensors on purpleair.com. An air sensor has been reserved for Conway for installation.

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

Mass Department of Public Health

Summer Safety Guidance

Click link for: MDPH Summer Safety Guidance

What to Know about the Current Measles Outbreak

At the current time, there are over 900 cases of Measles in the US. No cases have been detected to date in Massachusetts, however cases have been confirmed in Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey, as well as elsewhere across the country.

Important information to know:

  • Measles outbreaks occur mostly among unvaccinated individuals

  • Vaccines are safe and provide very effective long-term protection against Measles

  • The risk of getting Measles is extremely low for vaccinated individuals

  • Measles vaccination rates are very high in Massachusetts, though lower in Western Mass

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread by respiratory droplets. Approximately 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will become ill.

Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body. Measles often causes diarrhea and ear infections.

While most people fully recover, serious complications can occur, including death. Measles can cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), resulting in long term disabilities such as deafness, blindness, seizure disorders and other brain disorders.

Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

For more information, go to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website to learn more about the signs and symptoms of infection, the risk of infection based on vaccination status or likely immunity from childhood infection. A printable Fact Sheet can be found on the website.

What to do now:

  • Check your vaccination status

  • Contact your healthcare provider for specific concerns or if you need guidance about vaccination

  • Learn the signs and symptoms of a possible Measles infection

With thanks to the Cambridge Public Health Department for their March 21, 2025 posting on Measles, from which some of this information was taken.

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

CPHS Comprehensive Program

The Town of Conway has contracted with the Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to provide a comprehensive public health program.

The Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) serves as the Health Department for the Town of Conway. The Health Agents, Public Health Nurses and Community Health Educator provide environmental health inspections, communicable disease investigation and prevention, code enforcement, education, wellness, and special programs; CPHS staff work closely with members of the Town Board of Health on these matters. For further information, and for a CPHS staff listing and contact details, please see the CPHS website.

Title V and Septic Systems

The Septic tank must be pumped as part of each Title V inspection, unless that tank has been pumped within 1 year prior to the inspection and such pumping was property reported by the pumper to the Board of Health. Such a procedure must be performed by a pumper with a current license to perform such services. The Board of Health may, at its discretion, waive this requirement.

For Title V Inspections, Installations, upgrades or repairs; installers permits, and haulers permits please apply at https://frcog.org/cooperative-public-health-service-online-permitting-scheduling/

For other inquiries regarding septic systems contact the Board of Health at 413-369-4235 ext. 8 or boardofhealth@conwayma.gov

Protect Your Family: A Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells

If you have a private well, then water quality testing should be important to you and your family.

Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor, or color. Only laboratory testing can detect them.

While there is no state requirement to have your well water tested (although there may be from your mortgage lender or local Board of Health), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recommends that all homeowners with private wells do so, and use a state certified laboratory.

For more information go to: Mass DEP - Private Wells

Click here to find a certified laboratory for water testing

''To Pump, or Not to Pump, that is the question...''

March 20, 2023 By Amy Pemberton, Technical Assistance Provider, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)

Septic baffle

This is an age-old question that owners of septic systems seem to ask one another. Although misguided, there seems to be some sense of pride of ownership that the longer one can go without pumping their septic tank, the better, more robust system they must have. Not so. Please tell all of your friends!

A septic tank system needs regular maintenance, just like your car needs oil changes and spark plugs replaced, just like your HVAC system needs filters replaced and periodic checks by professionals. Think of your septic system as you would any other household system that needs some care and upkeep. Household wastewater contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. If a septic system is well-maintained and working properly, it will remove most of these pollutants. If not, a malfunctioning septic system can be a public health and environmental hazard by allowing exposure of harmful contaminants to humans, pets and the natural world. Not to mention, it is a violation of the law.

Figure3 1

Figure from EPA

Conventional septic systems are designed to be relatively low maintenance, but low maintenance does not equate to NO maintenance. A septic tank system is essentially comprised of five basic components:

  1. A household collection system that removes all sewage from the dwelling and transports it out into the holding tank, or septic tank.
  2. The septic tank is where the treatment of the waste begins, and its routine maintenance is an important step in the functional lifespan of your system. From the septic tank, the liquid portion of the sewage, called effluent, exits the septic tank, and moves out to the third component.
  3. A distribution box, as the name implies, this box equally distributes the effluent as it moves out into the fourth component,
  4. A drain field or absorption trenches.
  5. Lastly is the soil, in which your septic system is installed, is the final step of treatment for a conventional septic system.

The septic tank works to “sort” the household waste as it allows for the contents to settle and separate. The solids settle down to the bottom of the tank, while the fats, oils, and greases float to the top. This action ideally results in no solids moving out into the drain field where they can potentially clog up the absorption trenches. If too much water is introduced into the septic tank at one time (i.e.., multiple consecutive loads of laundry), this can disrupt the settling time and potentially result in solids moving out into your drain field. Adequate settling time is important, so it is vital to keep this in mind in your routine household activities. Over time, the solids at the bottom of the tank accumulate and need to be removed. If the tank is not pumped out every three to five years, the holding capacity, and the ability to separate the waste will be diminished, thus creating a situation in which solids can more easily move into the drain field.

Septic tanks contain naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria which help break down solids in the tank and support the biological processes that treat human waste. Some people believe that they can reduce the frequency of septic tank pump outs by introducing “additives” to their septic system. There are different types of additives on the market. Biological additives add more bacteria to the tank, and in doing so, can create conditions in which the bacterial populations compete against each other, potentially causing negative effects. Enzymes are another type of septic tank additive. The enzymes are thought to aid in the breakdown of certain types of solids and limit the buildup of the scum layer (fats, oils, greases). Additives claiming to eliminate the need for pumping usually re-suspend solids, moving them to the drain field, thus clogging lines and leading to system failure. Septic tank additives are not regulated and there is no scientific evidence to support their benefit. A healthy septic tank should not need any additives, but again, it does need routine inspection and pumping every three to five years.

Some general rules of the road when it comes to caring for your septic system:

  • Use less water. Space out laundry sessions throughout the week. This avoids overloading the system over a short period of time. Be sure to notice any leaking toilets or dripping faucets and repair them right away.
  • Keep toxic chemicals from going down the drain. Properly dispose of solvents, paint, varnish, oil, and pesticides, instead of putting them down the drain. Use bleach and household cleaners sparingly.
  • Keep solids out. Cigarettes, left over medications, handwipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues, kitty litter, and other solid items should go into the trash, not your septic system. Left over medications could kill the “good” bacteria in your tank.
  • Keep grease and fat out of your kitchen drain. Pour the oil into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
  • Limit use of garbage disposal. Using a garbage disposal increases the amount of water and solids in your septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping.
  • Divert runoff and drainage water. Never drain swimming pools or hot tubs into your septic system or drain field. Downspouts and roof runoff should be directed away from your drain field to limit hydraulically overloading the soil.

Regular maintenance pump fees can average between $250 to $500. This expense every three to five years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a failing septic system. Replacement costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the type of system needed. A well designed, healthy septic system that is properly cared for should last a homeowner 20-30 years or more. Your septic system is a silent partner in keeping your home life humming. As lovable as your car, which you maintain regularly and as just as aggravating when it breaks down?! To find more information about being Septic Smart, go to: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-week-quick-tip-videos.

By Amy Pemberton, Technical Assistance Provider, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)

Board of Health Files

Name Uploaded Date
   Disposal System Construction Application - 1A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:28:13
   Disposal System Construction Permit - 2A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:28:15
   Haulers Application Rev 21.pdf 2023-04-06 09:10:34
   HPAI-Memo.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:59
   Installer Application Rev 21.pdf 2022-09-22 15:10:20
   Local Upgrade Approval - 9B.pdf 2022-09-22 15:30:14
   Local Upgrade Approval Application - 9A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:30:18
   Marijuana-regs.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:05
   Perc Test Application re 24.pdf 2024-09-04 13:08:09
   Preventing-Mosquito-Bites-MA-Dept-PubHealth-2020.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:41
   Purple-Shield-Vaccine-Consent-ALL-Patients-Ver-4-22-21.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:44
   Tobacco 21 Reg 20180403 D.pdf 2022-09-22 15:12:16
   Vaccine-Consent-Form-for-Individuals-12-17-Years-of-Age-05-12-21.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:47
   Well Permit Application.pdf 2022-09-22 15:11:33